Discussing surprising films is a popular topic in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to express opinions, describe experiences, and use a range of vocabulary related to movies and emotions. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests.
Describe a time when you felt very grateful for a surprising film experience can be an excellent way to showcase your language skills. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about a film that surprised you across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about films and your movie-watching habits. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you enjoy watching movies?”
Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely. I’m quite the film enthusiast. I try to catch at least one or two movies a week, either at the cinema or streaming at home. I find that films are a great way to unwind after a long day and they often provide interesting topics for discussion with friends.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a surprising film:
Describe a film that surprised you
You should say:
- What the film was
- When and where you watched it
- What it was about
- And explain why it surprised you
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a film that truly took me by surprise, ‘Inception‘ directed by Christopher Nolan. I watched it a few years ago at a local cinema with a group of friends, and it left an indelible impression on me.
The film is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that explores the concept of dream invasion. The protagonist, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, is a skilled thief with the rare ability to ‘extract‘ information from people’s minds while they’re dreaming. He’s offered a chance to regain his old life as payment for a task considered to be impossible: ‘inception‘, the implantation of another person’s idea into a target’s subconscious.
What surprised me most about this film was its intricate plot and stunning visual effects. The way Nolan seamlessly blended multiple layers of dreams and reality was nothing short of masterful. I found myself completely immersed in the complex narrative, constantly questioning what was real and what was a dream.
The film also challenged my perceptions of what’s possible in storytelling. It wasn’t just a straightforward action movie, but a thought-provoking exploration of the human mind, memory, and the nature of reality. The ambiguous ending left me and my friends debating for hours after leaving the cinema.
Moreover, the technical aspects of the film were awe-inspiring. The scene where the city of Paris folds in on itself was particularly mind-blowing and unlike anything I’d seen before in cinema.
In conclusion, ‘Inception’ surpassed all my expectations and redefined what I thought was possible in filmmaking. It’s a film that continues to surprise me with new details and interpretations every time I rewatch it.”
Follow-up questions:
- How did this film compare to others you’ve seen in the same genre?
Answer (Band 7-8):
“Compared to other sci-fi thrillers, ‘Inception’ stands out for its originality and depth. While many films in this genre rely heavily on special effects or action sequences, ‘Inception’ skillfully balances these elements with a complex narrative and philosophical themes. It raised the bar for what I expect from a sci-fi movie.”
- Do you think the film’s surprise element contributed to its success?
Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. I believe the film’s ability to surprise and challenge viewers was instrumental in its success. The unexpected plot twists and innovative visual effects created a buzz around the movie, encouraging people to watch it multiple times and discuss its intricacies. This word-of-mouth promotion likely contributed significantly to its box office success and critical acclaim.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to films and surprises. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Q1: How do you think surprise elements in films affect the audience?
Answer (Band 7-8):
“Surprise elements in films can have a powerful impact on the audience. They can keep viewers engaged, evoke strong emotions, and make the movie more memorable. When done well, surprises can elevate a good film to a great one by challenging the audience’s expectations and providing a unique viewing experience.”
Answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe surprise elements in films play a crucial role in shaping the audience’s experience. They serve multiple purposes: maintaining viewer engagement, eliciting emotional responses, and enhancing the film’s memorability. A well-executed surprise can transform a predictable narrative into an unforgettable journey, challenging viewers’ preconceptions and encouraging deeper reflection on the film’s themes. Moreover, surprises can spark discussions and debates among audience members, extending the film’s impact beyond the immediate viewing experience and contributing to its cultural significance.”
Q2: Do you think modern films rely too heavily on special effects to surprise audiences?
Answer (Band 7-8):
“That’s an interesting question. While special effects can certainly be impressive, I think some filmmakers do rely on them too heavily. A truly surprising film should offer more than just visual spectacle. It should have a compelling story, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes. Special effects should enhance the narrative, not replace it.”
Answer (Band 8-9):
“This is a nuanced issue. While it’s true that some modern films prioritize visual spectacle over substance, I believe it’s an oversimplification to say that the industry as a whole relies too heavily on special effects. The most effective filmmakers use special effects as a tool to enhance storytelling, not as a substitute for it. When integrated thoughtfully, special effects can amplify the emotional impact of a scene or bring impossible concepts to life, thereby enriching the viewer’s experience. However, I agree that when overused or used gratuitously, they can detract from the narrative and diminish the film’s overall quality. The key is striking a balance between visual innovation and compelling storytelling.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Mind-bending (adjective) /maɪnd ˈben.dɪŋ/ – Difficult to understand or imagine; very confusing or strange.
Example: “The plot of ‘Inception’ was truly mind-bending.” -
Indelible impression (phrase) /ɪnˈdel.ə.bəl ɪmˈpreʃ.ən/ – A lasting effect or influence.
Example: “The film left an indelible impression on me.” -
Seamlessly (adverb) /ˈsiːm.ləs.li/ – Smoothly and continuously, with no apparent gaps or spaces.
Example: “The director seamlessly blended reality and fantasy in the movie.” -
Thought-provoking (adjective) /ˈθɔːt prəˌvoʊ.kɪŋ/ – Stimulating careful consideration or attention.
Example: “It was a thought-provoking exploration of complex themes.” -
Surpass expectations (phrase) /sərˈpæs ek.spekˈteɪ.ʃənz/ – To be or do something better than expected.
Example: “The film surpassed all my expectations with its innovative storytelling.”
How to talk about a special gift you received in IELTS Speaking can also provide useful language patterns for expressing surprise and appreciation, which can be applied when discussing films.
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
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Practice describing films: Regularly watch movies and practice describing them in detail, focusing on plot, characters, themes, and your personal reactions.
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Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of film-related vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.
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Develop your opinions: Don’t just describe what happened in the film; explain why it surprised you and how it made you feel.
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Use varied sentence structures: Mix short and long sentences, and use different grammatical structures to showcase your language skills.
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Stay relevant: Always keep your answers relevant to the question asked, using the film as a springboard to demonstrate your English proficiency.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss surprising films and other topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to express yourself clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and provide detailed, relevant responses.
Describe a memorable gift you received can be another interesting topic to practice, as it shares similarities with describing a surprising film in terms of expressing personal experiences and emotions.